Before prescribing medication for a patient with cognitive deficits, what should the nurse practitioner do if the patient's medical record is unavailable?

When a nurse practitioner encounters a situation where a patient's medical record is unavailable, contacting the patient's adult child can be a vital step in obtaining necessary medical history and understanding the patient's condition. The adult child may have critical information regarding the patient's previous diagnoses, current medications, allergies, and any other pertinent health information that can aid in safe and effective medication management.

Engaging with a family member, such as an adult child, can provide insights into the cognitive deficits, the patient's usual healthcare routine, and any observed behavioral changes, which can help inform the prescribing decision. This approach aligns with the principles of patient-centered care, ensuring that the nurse practitioner has as much information as possible to make informed choices regarding medication, especially in a patient population with cognitive impairments.

Other options may not provide comprehensive or reliable information. Querying other staff members may yield some information, but they might not have detailed insights into the specific medical history of the patient. Relying solely on the patient's self-report can be risky, especially if cognitive deficits impede their ability to provide accurate information. Waiting until the chart is available might delay necessary care and could place the patient at risk, especially if immediate treatment is required. Therefore, engaging the adult child serves as a proactive approach to gather